Prague Christmas market in Wenceslas Square - Enjoying one of the most scenic locations anywhere in Europe, Prague's Christmas market is hosted in historic Wenceslas Square. A neighboring market takes place at the Old Town Square.

Colmar Christmas market - Colmar's Christmas market is found in the "Little Venice" district. The medieval atmosphere of this picturesque town in the Grand Est region of France lends it a wonderful fairy-tale appeal.

Berlin Christmas market - Germany is celebrated for its Christmas markets, and its capital city upholds the seasonal tradition by hosting several across the city. One of the most ornate takes place at Gendarmenmarkt (pictured).

Tallinn Christmas market - Tallinn, Estonia's capital city, is believed to be the first European city to display a Christmas tree, an event that took place in 1441. These days, a tree is the central attraction of the city's annual Christmas market.

Bolzano Christmas market - Italy's South Tyrol is also the setting for the Bolzano Christmas market, when this pleasant Alpine town—the region's capital—is bathed in the glow of romantic lights and flickering candles.

Edinburgh Christmas market - Previously voted the UK's best Christmas market, this is a hugely popular event in Scotland's wintertime festival calendar, and is a great warm-up for the city's Hogmanay (New Year's Eve) celebrations.

Gothenburg Christmas market - Several Christmas markets take place in cosmopolitan Gothenburg, Sweden's lively seaport destination. The city's Liseberg amusement park is one such venue, which is known for its five million Christmas lights!

Innsbruck Christmas market - Innsbruck is Austria's premier winter sports destination, but the city's Old Town is the destination of choice for many in December when the city's various Christmas markets open.

Annaberg-Buchholz Christmas market - Annaberg-Buchholz in Germany's Saxony region is a popular ski vacation destination. But make a point of visiting its understated Christmas market. The local vibe is quite enchanting.

Goslar Christmas market - A World Heritage Site, Goslar is an eye-opener any time of year. But at Christmas, this beautiful German town is simply spellbinding. The market features 80 decorated chalets set along winding medieval streets.

Vienna Christmas market - Of all Vienna's Christmas markets, indeed all of Austria's, it's the one in front of the town hall (Rathausplatz) that truly captures the imagination of the public. This is quite simply one of Europe's most magical winter festivals.